763.00/5–1754: Telegram
No. 921
The Acting United States High
Commissioner for Austria (Yost) to the Department of State1
2846. Soviet High Commissioner this morning summoned Raab and Schaerf to Imperial Hotel where, flanked by Kudryavtsev and Kraskevich, lengthy condemnation of Austrian Government was delivered. Despite Allied decisions to contrary, coalition parties, their “lying and provocative press”, and particularly Minister Interior Helmer guilty of intensified hostility to Soviet element, Ilyichev charged. Interzonal relaxations allegedly used by Helmer to smuggle militaristic and anti-Soviet literature into Soviet zone which not only tolerated, but encouraged by government. Helmer defiance of recent Soviet poster removal order cited. Austrian Government also accused of supporting “Fascist and militaristic veterans rallies” at which “fatal Anschluss doctrine” promoted. Ilyichev denounced “hostile activities” Austrian Government as violation four power agreements which, Rabb reminded, were still in effect until treaty. However, Soviet element “will prevent every attempt Austrian Government to violate these decisions”, although government “expected to take measures to stop subversive anti-Soviet acts”. Soviet High Commissioner concluded that should Austrian Government not do so, “then Soviets themselves will be forced to take necessary measures”.
Atmosphere at upbraiding described as hostile, with Chancellor cut short when he asked for copy of lecture, or tried to discuss other problems. Soviet High Commissioner took unprecedented step of releasing text his statement immediately afterwards without notifying Austrians.
Chancellor then forced to issue reply as follows:
Federal Government and Austrian population have all times adhered control agreement with no case of intentional act against any occupying power known to me. Incorrect to say that agencies sponsored by Federal Government agitate against USSR. Also incorrect to allege militaristic, or provocative literature smuggled into Soviet Zone since zonal relaxations. Austrian Government and Minister Interior not responsible for recent distribution anti-Soviet leaflets in cyrillic alphabet. Austrian Government never sponsored veterans gatherings. Assertion that Austrian Government supports Anschluss propaganda without foundation.
[Page 1962]Austrian population suffers occupation with great forbearance and Austrian Government deals impartially with all four powers. There exists no provocation against Soviet military, although recent troop incidents disquiet population. Not to be forgotten that these incidents more numerous of late and have cost lives Austrians.
As for Minister Interior, it can not only execute command individual occupation authorities, but must adhere control agreement and above all, like entire Federal Government, obey Austrian laws. Minister Interior adheres these rules and promotes no propaganda hostile Soviets. Understandable that Austrian people want their freedom and unavoidable that nine year occupation stimulates expression popular will. Soviet statement to be presented to Cabinet tomorrow.
Embassy views Soviet charges as but next step in calculated plan of attack on Austrian Government in implementation Anschluss and remilitarization themes. With Helmer as chief target, Soviets also hope to weaken government authority and particularly police in Soviet Zone. Although Embassy does not believe Soviets now aiming at partition, obvious strong case being made for partial or general resumption zonal controls.
- Repeated to Paris, London, and Moscow.↩